WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2011--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing its determination of nonregulated status for cotton that is resistant to several insect pests.

Syngenta Biotechnology, Inc. petitioned APHIS for a determination of nonregulated status for their genetically engineered cotton event COT67B in 2007. APHIS prepared a plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) as required by the Plant Protection Act and an environmental assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. On May 11, both documents and Syngenta's petition were made available for public review and comment, and APHIS received a total of seven comments from various groups and individuals.

APHIS determined that the cotton is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk. The finding is based on the agency's analysis of field and laboratory data submitted by Syngenta, references provided in the petition, peer-reviewed publications, the PPRA and its review of the comments provided by the public. The cotton is therefore no longer subject to APHIS regulations.

Interstate movements and field trials for COT67B have been conducted under permits issued or notifications acknowledged by APHIS since 2003.

Notice of this decision is published in the Sept. 29 Federal Register and becomes effective upon publication.

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